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“I’ve weeded out the ones I believe are fully innocent.” Edmund grimaced, looking away from Averett to glance at the family portrait that hung on the wall. The one where their father was still alive, their mother’s red hair hadn’t faded, and Essie was a chubby-cheeked baby. “I’m going to dig deeper into the others. I don’t believe any of them are truly spies or traitors—they just have a few illegal trade deals and stuff like that most likely—but I want to be thorough.”
“Good. I’ve had enough surprises for one year.” Averett’s gaze also drifted to the portrait on the wall. “Escarland has been nearly at war or at war for the entire time I’ve been king, except for those few months this winter when we were blissfully ignorant about how much of a threat Mongavaria posed. Those were some wonderful months.”
They would have been, if Edmund hadn’t been pathetically pining for Jalissa. And he wasn’t too proud to admit that, at least to himself.
“We’ll get there again. Kostaria joining our alliance will make Mongavaria back off, we’ll get a spying operation back up and running over there, we’ll kick all their spies out of here, and we’ll enjoy a golden age the likes of which Kostaria, Tarenhiel, and Escarland haven’t seen in hundreds of years. You’ll see.” Edmund pushed to his feet. “If there isn’t anything else…”
Averett waved him away. “No, no. Go on and see your elf princess.”
Edmund grinned and strode to the door. He could mention the ring in his pocket and his plans for the afternoon, but he didn’t. His family would find out soon enough when they saw the ring sparkling on Jalissa’s finger at supper that evening.
* * *
Jalissa strolledthrough the Kingsley Gardens in the Escarlish capital of Aldon. At this time of summer, the outdoor gardens bloomed in a profusion. The rose garden was elegantly dressed in a bounty of blooms in all colors from delicate white to blushing pink to deepest, boldest red.
She trailed her fingers over a few of the struggling flowers, easing a hint of her magic into them.
“The gardeners always love it when you visit.” Edmund’s voice came from behind her a moment before his arms wrapped around her waist, tugging her back against him.
She leaned into him, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. This was her idea of a perfect afternoon. Edmund holding her. Gardens all around her. Butterflies dancing on the floral-scented breeze. “I am glad they do not mind if I help a few of the plants along.”
“They are looking to hire a few elves to come and work here, if they can convince any to come.” Edmund pressed a gentle kiss to her neck that had her knees buckling.
“I am sure some of those with weaker plant growing magic could be lured here.” Jalissa’s voice came out breathy. How was she supposed to concentrate on a conversation with Edmund trailing those gentle, tiny kisses down her neck until he kissed the base of her neck at her shoulder? “They are not as valued in Tarenhiel due to their weakness.”
“Their magic is still a wonder.” Edmund drew back just a little bit, though he did not let her go. “As is yours.”
Jalissa closed her eyes, resting her arms over Edmund’s around her. They had been officially courting for only three months, but they had been some of the best three months of her life. They had picked up right where their clandestine relationship had ended all those years ago.
Yet this was better. So much better. They were both more mature. More ready for something real and lasting than they had been while meeting in secret.
“The Gardens are also looking for a new patron. Lady Fiskre, their current patron, has decided to retire from her position on the board of directors.” Edmund’s voice took on a serious tone.
Jalissa turned in his arms and studied his face. Something inside her leapt at the thought of becoming personally involved with the running of these Gardens. “Could I become their patron?”
“You could…but you would have to be Escarlish.” Edmund stepped back from her. “Or married to an Escarlish prince.”
Before she had a chance to respond, he abruptly dropped onto one knee.
Jalissa gasped and reached for him. “Are you all right? What is wrong?” She searched him, looking for a blossoming wound, although she had yet to hear a gunshot.
Edmund laughed and waved her hands away. “I’m fine. This is an Escarlish custom, so let me finish.”
Finish what? Jalissa froze, staring down at him as he drew out a small box from a pocket.
He opened the box, revealing a delicate silver band formed of twining roses with a single, purple-colored stone set into a swirl of silver roses at the top. “Jalissa, my amirah, I know it has only been three months. But we’ve known each other much longer than that, and I know you’ll tell me off if this is far too short of a courtship.” He drew in a deep breath, then smiled up at her. “Will you marry me?”
Jalissa pressed her hands over her mouth, tears pricking in her eyes at his speech. “Yes! Yes, of course I will marry you.”
She was not sure what to do first. Should she take the ring? Or kiss him? Yet he was still kneeling on the ground, and while she loved him, she was not about to get her dress dirty by flinging herself onto her knees in front of him.
He solved the problem by standing, plucking the ring from the box, and taking her hand. When he slid the ring on her finger, it fit perfectly.
Of course it did. Edmund would find out that detail about her before commissioning the ring.
“I love you, my amirah.” Edmund kissed her, and her knees went so weak she had to cling to the front of his shirt to stay upright.
When the kiss ended, she tried to murmur that she loved him too. But she was not sure the words actually made it out of her mouth in an understandable manner. Her thoughts were not that coherent.
